More than 1,000 individuals from The Catholic University of America community — alumni, parents, faculty and staff, students, trustees, and friends — answered the April 10 Founders Day Giving Challenge, raising $324,678 in a record-breaking show of support and surpassing the original goal.
Over the course of the challenge, 1,042 donors made 888 gifts in the 24-hour giving day. Alumni comprised half of those who contributed, affirming their belief in the power of a Catholic University education. More than 160 faculty and staff members participated in building the University community. Fifteen percent of the donors were parents of current students, giving generously to enhance the student experience, and 53 current students joined in the fun to give back to their favorite programs, teams, and organizations on campus.
"It was fantastic to see the momentum and enthusiasm build throughout the day and inspire so many alumni, parents, students, faculty, and staff to give back." observed Patrick Davey, director of the CUA Fund. "We are especially grateful to the over 150 donors who made their first gift ever to Catholic University as part of the Founders Day Challenge."
University leaders President John Garvey and Jeanne Garvey; Cardinal O’Malley, M.A. 1972, Ph.D. 1978; Tim Scheve B.A. 1980; and Lee Ann Joiner Brady, B.A. 1978, together contributed $130,000, which was unlocked throughout the day as each donor challenge was met.
“All of us at Catholic University extend a big thank you to each of our generous donors,” says Scott Rembold, vice president for University Advancement. “Through the widespread support of our community, we were able to exceed our goals by a significant margin, making our first-ever Founders Day Challenge a rousing success. We are so grateful for your support.”
Alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, and friends worldwide participated in the event in celebration of the 130th anniversary of Catholic University’s founding on April 10, 1887, when Pope Leo XIII’s pontifical charter established the University.
For more information about the challenge and Founders Day, visit engage.catholic.edu/FoundersDay.